National City, founded in 1868 and incorporated in 1887, is a city located in the South Bay region of San Diego County. It is the second oldest city in San Diego County next to Old Town San Diego. Chula Vista is located to the south, Coronado is located to the west across San Diego Bay, and, San Diego is to the north and east.

Paradise Valley Hospital, founded in 1904, a 291-bed acute care facility, is the largest employer in the city with more than 1,200 employees.

Communities within National City include Old Town, Lincoln Acres, and South Port Business Center. All of these areas have neighborhood councils where residents can voice their concerns to elected city officials.

Buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places in National City include: (1) Granger Music Hall built in 1898, (2) Brick Row constructed in 1887, (3) Santa Fe Depot built in 1882, (4) I National City Railroad Plaza built in 1887, and (5) St. Matthew's Episcopal Church constructed in 1872.

 

 

Heritage Square

In 1980, the City of National City and the Community Development Commission of National City formally dedicated the Frank A. Kimball House which is a part of Heritage Square and part of the Centre City Redevelopment Project. Heritage Square is known for its many Victorian period houses, Brick Row, and a central park. Frank Kimball was the founder of National City.

 

Frank Kimball Museum

The home of Frank Kimball, the founder of National City is now a small museum that is open to the public on weekends. The museum features many historical objects including a stereopticon slide viewer and family Bible from the 1860s. The museum is an excellent resource for people interested in the history of San Diego and National City.

 

National City Chamber of Commerce

The National City Chamber of Commerce, established in 1905 as the Board of Trade, has more than 600 members based in National City, Chula Vista, EI Cajon, Bonita, San Diego, and the surrounding areas. The chamber publishes an excellent business directory and provides numerous educational and networking opportunities for its many members.

 

Paradise Marsh

Paradise Marsh is a vital habitat for various birds and is part of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge which is within the Sweetwater Marsh area of National City. It is a popular spot for birdwatching, nature appreciation, and hiking.

 

Lincoln Acres

Lincoln Acres is a small unincorporated residential community in San Diego County located completely within the boundaries of the incorporated City of National City. The community was named after President Abraham Lincoln.